Hundreds of residents in a rural area 165 kilometers (100 miles) north-east of the capital, Addis Ababa, are fleeing their homes as Mount Dofan exhibits alarming volcanic activity.

Eyewitnesses report thick smoke and fiery plumes emanating from the volcano since 17:00 local time (14:00 GMT) on Thursday. "The smoke has a fiery plume, and it's very high," Sultan Kemil, a local leader, told .

A dramatic video posted by the Ethiopian Geological Institute shows steam and debris being forcefully ejected from the mountain, intensifying fears of a potential eruption.

The region, located near Awash Fentale in Ethiopia's Afar area, has experienced over a dozen seismic events in recent weeks. Abdu Ali, the chief administrator of the Afar region, told FBC news that an evacuation process is underway to protect residents as tremors grow "higher and stronger."

Shocks from the seismic activity have even been felt in Addis Ababa, further raising public concerns.

While authorities have not yet classified the volcanic activity as an eruption, the Ethiopian Disaster Risk Management Commission is monitoring the situation closely. "It's too early to declare this an eruption, but we are taking necessary precautions," said Shiferaw Teklemariam from the commission in a statement to Reuters.

Residents in the affected region remain on high alert as evacuation efforts continue, with the government urging caution and preparedness to prevent potential harm.

For the latest developments, follow updates from the Ethiopian Geological Institute and local authorities.